The No-No’s – Let Your Shadow Out

Made up of Mike Clark (Guitarist and a member of Stephen Malkmus‘s backing band The Jicks), Ralf Youtz (bassist formally of Halo Benders, The Feelings, Sone and Built TO Spill), Heather Dunn (Drummer and ex member of Dub Narcotic Sound System, Bangs, Tiger Trap, and Lois) and vocalist and wordsmith Robin Bowser. The No-No’s are a group to look out for with this fine, yet all too brief, collection of 2 minute punk pop treats. This is the second release from The No-No’s on the Animal World label, their first being the highly acclaimed US college radio chart topper Tinnitus.

The tracks have a raw, unpolished feel and the album is all the better for it. Robin’s vocals swoop, scream and twang over the simple and effective backing. From the heartfelt and hi octane start to the album Psychic Twin , from which the albums title is taken, to the stripped down post-relationship mourning of My Sunshine this is a collection of precious gems. We have tales of love and separation (Empty Bed), updated 50’style anti-ballads (Girlfriend) along with stand out tracks like The Strategy and I’ve Had Enough.

Love Is Only Sleeping is a cover of the Monkees track, which I would not have noticed if it was not for the sleeve notes. They have made it their own. In their punkier moments they are very reminiscent of Bis or the Go-Go’s but with echoes of the Beach Boys, Shangri Las, and Steve Harley & the Cockney Rebels.

MP3’s from Tinnitus are available, free, from www.epitonic.com. Also check the bands website above) for more downloads. Tinnitus is available in the UK from Amazon. Let Your Shadow Out is available from the label.

Proper punk pop that you will have to prise from your stereo with a crowbar. Label : Animal World Recordings (US, Denver)